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Topic: The Pope's Resignation (Read 1112 times)

Pope Benedict sent a very strong message to theCollege of Cardinals when he resigned. First, the Papacy is really a very busy job, requiringa lot of travel, and has a very busy schedule. Electinga man in his 70's to this job almost certainly guaranteesthat the new Pope will not be able to serve very long, orvery well, due to the infirmities of age. Therefore, byemphasizing his age and physical weakness, the HolyFather is telling the cardinals to elect a strong, youngerman, who can serve long and well. Second, most Papal elections take several weeks.Please note the timing of this Pope's resignation. It takeseffect on Feb. 28th. By the rules of the Vatican, theconclave to elect the next Pope must start 15 to 20 daysafter this resignation takes effect. That would be March15th, or no later than March 20th. Lent has already started. No Cardinal is going to want tobe absent from his Diocese on Good Friday, and especiallynot Easter. Palm Sunday is March 24th, Good Friday is March29th, and Easter is March 31st. If the Cardinals want to be back home for Holy Week, thenthey cannot spend two weeks dithering over who to pick tobe the next Pope. Pope Benedict is forcing them to act withspeed. This enclave should be over in 4 or 5 days.

I am not Catholic but when I heard the Pope resigned I was impressed that this man was so humble that he'd give up such a powerful position for the good of his church. That speaks very highly of his character.